The Lands Commission in the Upper East Region is expected to have a new office complex in 12 months following the cutting of sod for the commencement of construction works in Bolgatanga.
It is expected that the new office complex will enhance the activities of the Lands Commission, which is a creation of the 1992 constitution.
Unfortunately, the Commission in the Upper East Region despite being one of the oldest to have been established does not have its own office, compelling it to share space with numerous state agencies.
This has negatively affected the operations of the office which should amongst other things; deal with many challenges in the region such as encroachment of State and public lands, cultural practices and land tenure arrangements in the Upper East Region and help in mobilizing revenue mobilization for government.
It is on this score that the government is stepping in to construct a new office complex for the commission in the region.
Speaking Wednesday at a brief meeting to cut-sod for construction to commence, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resource, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, highlighted the role the Lands Commission plays in land administration as one that is important for the development of the country since they have a key part to play in revenue mobilization and conflict prevention.
The Deputy Minister, who disclosed that the structure is expected to be completed in a year, also cautioned the contractor against shoddy work.
“Everywhere in this country, one of the reasons people go into disputes is because of lands. So, your work is to also ensure people are able to document their lands to reduce disputes and conflict and finally, I want to encourage the contractor to work within the stipulated time given to him. We are going to start counting from today and exactly a year from today, we expect him to handover the facility and we would not want any shoddy job.” He cautioned.
On his part, the Upper East Regional Lands Officer, Jonathan Kwabla Kene, disclosed that the construction of the new office complex will come as a huge relief and enhance the work of the commission in the region.
“The Upper East Regional Lands Commission is one of the oldest among the 16 regional Lands Commissions but has no office on its own. We are glad to witness the turn of events.”
Representatives of the Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga expressed delight that the work will commence on the new edifice to enhance the operations of the Lands Commission in the region.
